First, heavy rain fell, displaying its immense force. Then, the mud followed, slippery and suffocating as it hardened under the scorching heat. The humidity added an extra layer of difficulty to the task of saving Appalshop, a cultural and arts center that serves as a vital part of Whitesburg, Ky., from the deluge. Caroline Rubens, Appalshop’s archive director, described it as an all-consuming challenge in a recent interview.
However, a year after the devastating floods that claimed the lives of dozens of people and displaced countless more, Appalshop and its community are resiliently forging a new chapter in its 54-year history. While initially established as a film workshop in 1969, Appalshop has expanded its mission to encompass the documentation and celebration of Appalachian culture through various artistic mediums such as theater, music, photography, and literature. Over the years, it has built an extensive archive that serves as a repository for the rich history of central Appalachia.
Despite the flood’s destruction, Appalshop has managed to recover over 13,500 archival items, including videos, audio recordings, photographs, and artwork that offer glimpses into the region’s history and way of life. Much of this recovery has been made possible through the generous assistance of Iron Mountain, a data management company specializing in the preservation and protection of cultural heritage assets. Approximately 9,000 audiovisual items are being stored in Iron Mountain’s underground facilities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These items are being meticulously cleaned and digitized to expand the online library. Other items are being distributed among labs in New Jersey and Maryland, as well as Appalshop’s temporary space in Whitesburg.
Appalshop’s resilience is further demonstrated in how it has transformed a recreational vehicle into a mobile studio for its radio station. This enables their staff members to be present during emergencies, as they experienced firsthand last July. Additionally, Appalshop has continued its community programming, hosting its annual summer documentary institute and a gathering to commemorate the flood’s anniversary, including the premiere of a documentary titled “All Is Not Lost.”
However, beneath the surface of these encouraging efforts lie significant challenges that Appalshop has faced and will continue to face in the coming months. The structural integrity of the organization’s building is uncertain, and rehabilitation or rebuilding is estimated to cost over $5 million. The ground floor, which housed the theater, radio station, gallery space, and climate-controlled vault for preserving materials like photo negatives, was decimated by the flood. Several devastating losses added to the heartbreak, such as negatives with nothing left on them and home videos unspooled beyond repair. While approximately 15 to 20 percent of the collection might be irretrievable, Ms. Rubens and her colleagues maintain an optimistic outlook. Nevertheless, they are now engaging with archivists from other organizations to discuss the risks climate change poses to preserving history.
This concern resonates with Iron Mountain, whose Living Legacy program is supporting Appalshop. Jennifer Grimaudo, Senior Director of Sustainability at Iron Mountain, stresses the importance of recognizing how climate change jeopardizes our past. She explains that severe weather events like hurricanes and wildfires fail to receive enough attention in terms of their impact on archives and historical preservation. Losing these archives also means losing firsthand accounts that are irreplaceable.
Thankfully, most of Appalshop’s audio and visual materials have been recovered, including rare recordings of musical performances, interviews with Appalachian activists, an interview with Eastern Band of Cherokee leaders from the 1970s, and recordings, images, and film footage of Black leaders from the region. The involvement of Iron Mountain, offering storage and services, has been invaluable in buying Appalshop time to recover and plan for full restoration. Appalshop’s staff has dedicated countless hours to applying for grants and seeking additional sources of funding for the recovery efforts.
In addition to preserving and celebrating Appalachian culture, Appalshop aims to challenge preconceived notions about the region. However, the flood highlighted the economic inequality and trauma experienced by impoverished communities in the region. The journey of healing and addressing these issues is long and arduous, requiring collective efforts and the willingness to support one another, much like borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor. Appalshop actively fosters these connections, with community radio playing a crucial role. To this end, they converted an R.V., affectionately known as the Possum Den, into a mobile studio for their station, WMMT. The station returned to the airwaves in April, featuring live volunteer DJs playing a diverse range of genres, from bluegrass to hip-hop to electronica. Though the radio station can be accessed online by listeners far beyond Whitesburg, its roots in Appalachia provide a sense of connection to people who are far away from home.
Téa Wimer, the station’s manager, emphasized the unique value of community radio. It serves the purpose of fostering a connection to people, traditions, and the comforting sound of voices that are relatable. These elements are incredibly precious because they cannot be found anywhere else.
In conclusion, Appalshop’s journey since the devastating floods has been one of resilience and determination. With the support of Iron Mountain and the dedication of its staff, the organization has made remarkable strides in recovering and preserving its valuable archive. The challenges of repairing or rebuilding their building, managing the restoration work, and addressing the economic disparities in the region lie ahead. However, Appalshop remains committed to its mission of celebrating and redefining Appalachian culture while providing a platform for community engagement and connection through mediums like radio. As they continue to navigate these challenges, the spirit of Appalshop and its unwavering dedication remains a beacon of hope for the future.
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